(NEWS) Current Environmental Issues in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry PDC

August

2014

Current Environmental Issues in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry PDC

The Professional Development Course, Current Environmental Issues in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry, took place at WMU from 25-29 August. The modular course was part of the Malmö MSc program and several students from the Class of 2014 took the class as an elective in the fourth and final term of their studies. In addition, seven participants from the Nigerian Ports Authority and two from Maersk completed the course.

The course provided a broad overview of the different environmental issues related to oil and gas operations offshore from the perspective of the regulator as well as from the industry. Taught by a team of lecturers, the course presented physical, chemical and biological features and phenomena of relevance to offshore oil and gas exploration and production including the impact on ocean and coastal ecosystems. An understanding of the legal regimes under IMO and the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea from the perspectives of the maritime industry were also a focus of discussion.

Guest lecturers for the course included Tian-Bing Huang, Senior Technical Officer, Marine Environment Division of the International Maritime Organization, Ingunn Nilssen, Principal Researcher of Statoil Research, Development and Innovation, Björn Kristoffersen, Director, Eco-Management Support, Richard Heard, Managing Director of Strategic Decom, Dr. Graham Shimmield, President and Executive Director of Bigelow Laboratory, and from WMU, Professor Olof Linden, Director of Research, and Associate Professor Yoshinobu Takei.

The final Professional Development Course offered in 2014 will be Contemporary Issues in the Law of the Sea from 17-19 November. For more information, click here.

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Dissertation title

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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Upon graduation, I was awarded a prestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the next phase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed to continuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building upon the invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. My primary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of the zero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within our global community.

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